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Danielle: A Note from Mia, the Service Dog

October 5, 2012 By CEC

Danielle

I know that Mom, I mean, Danielle, is supposed to write all
of these posts, but I felt the need to post on her behalf today, as she is very,
very tired, and I am clearly very, very intelligent…

Mom seems to love this new job quite a bit. Me, I’m not so
sure. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting up at 8 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., and if
Mom wakes up early I get an extra walk in the morning! It’s just all of these
little kids – all of the time. They are so high pitched and excitable. Every
time they see me they squeal as if it’s the very first time they’ve ever seen a
dog – even if they’ve already met me! All day, every day, it’s “Oh, my gosh!  It’s a puppy! Look, it’s so
CUUUUUUUTTTEEEEE!!!” Then they chase after me to pet me and grab my tail. I’m not
even allowed to nip at them; not that I would because I’m the best dog ever.

I keep giving Mom the evil eye, and she just smiles at me
apologetically. I can tell she gets tired of being followed everywhere by a
chorus of coos and awwws, too, so I forgive her. It’s really funny when we go
out to the grocery store and frequently we see adults doing the same things! I
just wonder if they know how distracting it is. I’m trying to help Mom and
concentrate on her, but they are pointing and talking at me so much that I
can’t focus! Then Mom gets annoyed and I think I have something to worry about,
but she tells me to ignore it, and I get all confused. 

On Positive Behavior Training Day, the elementary school set
up different stations around the school so that students would know the right
ways to behave in different parts of the school. The awesome school
counselor shared her station so that we could teach students about who I am and
the best way to behave around me and Mom! Mom did some silly imitations, and
told everyone what I did for her. She said some nice things about me, and I
stood looking my very prettiest for the compliments. The kids were very cool
about it, and they have been a lot better ever since. Now if only we could work
on the taller ones…

I guess I like Mom’s new job. It makes Mom happier, and when
Mom is happy, I’m happy.

Just remember, the next time you see a service dog – keep
walking! Overcome temptation and don’t talk to the owner, don’t talk to the
dog, and don’t talk about the dog. Remember that it’s hard for us to work when
someone’s making a fuss over us.  We have
jobs to do! Thank you!!

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